Patricia Shields is a highly experienced trial and appellate attorney whose practice focuses on civil litigation. She represents people and their businesses in a wide variety of cases, including complex commercial litigation, malpractice and professional responsibility, products liability claims, and civil rights claims. In addition, she litigates before occupational licensing boards, defending and prosecuting licensees.
Throughout her 35-year career, she has enjoyed an active appellate practice, appearing regularly before North Carolina’s Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. She has also argued before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and is often retained to assist other attorneys with their appeals.
Tricia has been an active member of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys, serving as its President in 2011-2012. In 2020, she received the NCADA’s Robert J. Elster Award for Professional Excellence, which recognizes contributions to the Bar as a whole, and to the community. She is a member of the Wake County, North Carolina, and American Bar Associations, and the North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys. She serves as General Counsel for the firm and previously served on the Management Committee and as managing partner of the firm’s Raleigh office.
Tricia has been recognized by her peers for her professional accomplishments. She is ranked in Chambers® and Partners and holds an AV® Preeminent™ 5 out of 5 by Martindale-Hubbell. Tricia received a Women of Justice Award from North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2012, the inaugural year of that award. She also received a Diversity and Inclusion Award from North Carolina/South Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2019. She has been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 2003 and is listed in Best Lawyers for Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law.
PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC INVOLVEMENT:
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Wake County Bar Association
- American Bar Association
- North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys
- President-Elect (2010-2011)
- Executive Vice President (2009-2010)
- Treasurer (2008-2009)
- Member, Board of Directors (2005-2008)
- North Carolina Association of Women Attorneys
- Defense Research Institute
- Professional Liability Underwriting Society
HONORS:
- Recipient of the North Carolina State Bar – John B. McMillan Distinguished Service Award, 2024
- Recognized in America’s Leading Lawyers in Litigation, Chambers USA 2013-2024
- 2021 “Lawyer of the Year” for Personal Injury Litigation – Defendants in The Best Lawyers in America©
- Recipient of the North Carolina Association of Defense Attorneys J. Robert Elster Award, 2020
- Rated AV Preeminent 5 out of 5 by Martindale-Hubbell
- Selected to the North Carolina Super Lawyers® list for Civil Litigation from 2006-2023
- Included in the Top 25: Raleigh Super Lawyers®, 2022
- Included in the Top 50: Women of North Carolina Super Lawyers®, 2006-2023
- Included in the Top 100: North Carolina Super Lawyers®, 2014-2022
- Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2003 – 2025 for Personal Injury Litigation and Ethics and Professional Responsibility Law
- Selected by peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2022 – 2025 for Appellate Practice
- Recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as a North Carolina Legal Elite in 2014 and 2015
- Received a Diversity and Inclusion Award from North Carolina/South Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2019
- Received a Women of Justice Award from North Carolina Lawyers Weekly in 2012
- Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America